Mid Facelift (Mid Face Suspension)
English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center offers mid facelift surgery to patients in Little Rock, Arkansas, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, Jacksonville, Arkansas, Sherwood, Arkansas, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas and surrounding areas.
What is a Mid Facelift?
The goal of the mid facelift is to elevate and tighten the soft tissue of the cheek area. A secondary goal is to restore the lower eyelid and cheek region to a more youthful form. These goals are accomplished by lifting the fallen soft tissue on top of the nasolabial fold (fold or crease between the nostril, lip and cheek) and by reducing the hollowness between the lower eyelids and middle of the cheeks.
A youthful face has fullness in the central portion of the face. During the third decade of life, this region may begin to droop and lose volume. Part of this drooping is a result of the sagging fat pads of the face or loss of facial fat. Sun damage, loss of skin elasticity and other changes can also hasten the gaunt or uneven look seen in many Arkansas people over the age of 40.
When performed by a skillful surgeon such as Dr. English at his Little Rock facility, a mid facelift will result in a more natural, noticeable improvement. For younger patients, the mid facelift is a way to restore a more youthful contour without more extensive surgery. For older patients, the mid facelift is often performed with other procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer and brow or forehead lift.
How is a mid facelift performed?
At Dr. English’s practice in Little Rock, AR, the mid facelift is performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia or local anesthesia and I.V. sedation. The surgeon places a small incision in the hair-bearing area above each ear. An additional incision is made inside the mouth through the underside of the upper lip. Instruments are introduced through the incisions to lift the soft tissues off the cheekbones so they can be elevated and repositioned upward. A device is inserted to ensure proper placement of the soft tissues. The body absorbs this device in four to six months. The incisions in the mouth are closed with absorbable sutures to avoid the need for removal.
How is recovery from a mid facelift?
Immediately following the surgery, the patient may experience some temporary swelling and bruising in the mid-face area. It is important to rest and sleep in an elevated position for at least two weeks following the procedure in order to minimize any swelling and bruising.
Since the incisions are located in the hair and within the mouth, there is no significant visible scarring. It typically takes between thirty to sixty days for the swelling of the repositioned tissue over the cheekbones to subside.
Dr. English’s mid facelift patients experienced mild to moderate discomfort that was controlled with prescription medications. Chewing is limited for seven to ten days and a liquid or soft food diet is required during this time period. Activities such as lifting and bending are limited for several days and facial expressions are also restricted. Pressure to the cheek areas should be avoided for four to six weeks following the procedure. Although the cheek areas are swollen and tender for a few weeks, recovery is usually rapid. Most Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff mid facelift patients returned to work after a few days.
Numbness may occur as a result of stretching the nerve but will resolve as the swelling subsides. A wry smile, though uncommon, is another issue involving the facial muscles that resolves as the tissue heals.
I might consider a mid facelift. What should I do next?
At English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Jim English is board certified by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery as well as the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He offers plastic and cosmetic services to patients across Arkansas including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff and neighboring regions. Your next step is to contact the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center in Little Rock, Arkansas to schedule your initial mid facelift consultation! Make a mental note of all your questions and concerns and bring them to your consultation so your doctor can address them. Also ask to see mid facelift before and after photos. Act now and make this important phone call! You will be glad you did!
Dr. Jim English
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